Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for September 24, 2019


Brain stimulation prevents anxiety-induced decrease in motor performances

Researchers discover a new neural mechanism involving the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex that explains how anxiety deteriorates physical performance. Transcranial magnetic stimulation to this region rescues performance deterioration, providing a potential therapeutic strategy for athletes and musicians.

We are all mutants, more or less

A new study published in eLife shows that children inherit a varying number of genetic mutations from their parents, with older fathers passing on more mutations to their offspring. The study analyzed data from 603 individuals from 33 three-generation families and found significant variability in mutation rates among families.

Impostor syndrome is more common than you think; Study finds best way to cope with it

A new study by Brigham Young University researchers found that 20% of college students experience strong feelings of impostorism. Seeking social support from individuals outside their major is a highly effective way to reduce these feelings, as opposed to seeking support within the same academic group. The study also highlights the imp...

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Vocational Behavior·DateSep 24, 2019

Converting absorbed photons into twice as many excitons: Successful high-efficiency energy conversion with organic monolayer on gold nanocluster surface

A research group converts absorbed photons into twice as many excitons with an organic monolayer on a gold nanocluster surface, achieving high-efficiency energy conversion. The researchers also found that the newly formed excitons have a significantly longer lifetime compared to conventional surfaces.

SourceKobe University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateSep 24, 2019

Some high-cholesterol genes differ between countries

A new UCL-led study found that some genes predicting high cholesterol don't apply to people from Uganda as they do in European populations. The researchers investigated genetic variants affecting blood fat levels and found that only 10% of markers were implicated in cardiovascular risk factors among Ugandan participants.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 24, 2019

Outcomes of birth options after a previous cesarean section

A large cohort study found attempting a vaginal birth after previous cesarean section increases the risk of serious maternal complications, including uterine rupture and sepsis. The study suggests that planning another cesarean may be a safer option for women with a history of cesarean section.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateSep 24, 2019

Outer hair cells regulate ear's sensitivity to sound

In a study published in eLife, researchers found that outer hair cells adjust the sensitivity of neighboring inner hair cells to sound levels rather than amplifying them. This discovery could lead to better interventions to protect hearing and develop new ways to prevent hearing loss.

SourceeLife·DateSep 24, 2019

Eyeballing a black hole's mass

Astrophysicists from the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology have devised a new way to indirectly measure the mass of a black hole, testing it on the Messier 87 active galaxy. The method combines theoretical modeling, computer calculations, and telescope observations to estimate black hole mass and spin.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateSep 24, 2019

Commit a crime? Loved ones got your back

A recent University of Michigan study reveals that people tend to prioritize protecting close relationships over reporting immoral acts, even in cases of theft and sexual harassment. Researchers found that this bias can be attenuated by adopting a psychologically distanced perspective.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateSep 24, 2019

Large-scale enhanced recovery program improves outcomes for bariatric surgery patients

A large-scale implementation of an enhanced recovery program (ERP) reduced rates of extended hospitalization for bariatric surgery patients by nearly half. The protocol, known as ENERGY, improved patient outcomes through measures such as minimizing fluid overload and implementing opioid-sparing pain management strategies.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalSurgery for Obesity and Related Diseases·DateSep 24, 2019

Survey suggests elderly patients with diabetes may favor more aggressive blood sugar control

A survey of elderly patients with type 2 diabetes found that many long-time patients downplay medical and social factors in favor of more aggressive treatment. The study's findings suggest that patients' perceptions of their care diverge from professional recommendations, highlighting the need for better physician-patient communications.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateSep 24, 2019

Hurricane resilience in the Bahamas

A Stanford-led study predicts a tripling of storm-related damages in the Bahamas if protective ecosystems like coral reefs and mangrove forests are degraded or lost. The research is being used by the Bahamian government to pinpoint key areas for investment in natural ecosystems.

SourceStanford University·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateSep 24, 2019

A new member in AIE family

Researchers have designed a new member of the aggregation-induced emission (AIE) family using 1,1,2,4-tetraphenyl-1,3-butadiene derivatives. These TPB derivatives exhibit strong fluorescence in aggregates and variable emission wavelengths due to conformational sensitivity.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Chemistry·DateSep 24, 2019

Getting mac and cheese to Mars

Researchers tripled the shelf life of ready-to-eat macaroni and cheese from 12 months to 36 months using a special coating that keeps oxygen away. The technology has benefits not only for space travel but also for improving military meals (MREs) and consumer food products.

SourceWashington State University·JournalFood and Bioprocess Technology·DateSep 24, 2019

Battery with a twist

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a flexible thin-film battery that can be bent, stretched and twisted without disrupting power supply. The new battery features a water-based gel electrolyte that is environmentally friendly and non-toxic.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateSep 24, 2019

How and when was carbon distributed in the Earth?

Researchers investigated carbon partitioning between iron liquid and silicate melt under high-pressure conditions using a boron nitride capsule. The new experimental result shows that the partition coefficient of carbon is several times lower than previous studies, suggesting that carbon in a magma ocean may not have been as depleted.

SourceEhime University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateSep 24, 2019

Iridium 'loses its identity' when interfaced with nickel

Researchers at Rutgers University have discovered a new kind of magnetic state in ultra-thin iridium-nickel interfaces, challenging theories on quantum materials. The findings could lead to greater manipulation of quantum materials and deeper understanding of the quantum state for novel electronics.

SourceRutgers University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 24, 2019

Stanford researchers find lead in turmeric

A Stanford-led study reveals that turmeric is sometimes adulterated with lead-laced chemical compounds in Bangladesh, leading to elevated blood lead levels among consumers. The researchers aim to shift consumer behaviors, reduce incentives for the practice and develop business opportunities to promote lead-free turmeric.

SourceStanford University·JournalEnvironmental Research·DateSep 24, 2019

Cheaper drug just as effective protecting heart in duchenne muscular dystrophy

A new clinical trial found that a cost-effective generic medication, spironolactone, is just as effective as the more expensive drug eplerenone in preserving cardiovascular function in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The study also showed stabilization of kidney and lung function, with no serious side effects.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateSep 24, 2019

Symbiosis as a tripartite relationship

Researchers discovered a tripartite relationship between sponges, bacteria, and bacteriophages, where viruses protect bacteria from being digested. The study found that sponge viruses have unique functions and may enable symbiotic co-existence between hosts and microbes.

SourceKiel University·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateSep 24, 2019

Jackdaws learn from each other about 'dangerous' humans

Researchers at the University of Exeter found that jackdaws can learn to identify dangerous people by hearing a warning call, and this knowledge helps them avoid humans who pose a threat. The birds that heard the warning call returned to their nests more quickly when seeing the human again, indicating they had learned to recognize danger.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateSep 24, 2019

Improved mapping of Swedish genes

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet analyzed the whole genome of 1,000 Swedish individuals and identified 61,000 new DNA sequences, including 80 genes linked to diseases. These new sequences are found in all major human populations, indicating they are ancient and widespread

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateSep 24, 2019

West Africa: human-induced air pollution is higher than expected

Emissions of volatile organic pollutants in West Africa far exceed current estimates, with road traffic, waste combustion, and domestic fires contributing significantly. The study emphasizes the importance of setting up more accurate regional emission inventories to predict health and climate impacts.

SourceCNRS·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics·DateSep 24, 2019

Gum disease linked with higher risk of hypertension

A recent study published in the European Society of Cardiology journal found a strong association between gum disease and high blood pressure. The meta-analysis of 81 studies revealed that moderate-to-severe periodontitis was associated with a 22% raised risk for hypertension, while severe periodontitis was linked with 49% higher odds.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalCardiovascular Research·DateSep 24, 2019

Racial/ethnic mortality disparities widen among many age groups

A new study found that racial/ethnic mortality rate disparities have been widening since 2009, especially among infants and children. The study's findings suggest that addressing the root causes of these disparities is crucial to regaining lost ground and achieving health equity.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateSep 24, 2019

The Lancet Digital Health: First systematic review and meta-analysis suggests artificial intelligence may be as effective as health professionals at diagnosing disease

A recent systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that artificial intelligence can detect diseases from medical imaging with similar accuracy to health-care professionals. However, the true power of AI remains uncertain due to limited high-quality studies, and researchers call for higher standards of research and reporting.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Digital Health·DateSep 24, 2019